How does 2 Thessalonians 2:14 connect with Romans 8:17 about sharing in glory? Opening Focus Verse “ He called you to this through our gospel, so that you may share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” — 2 Thessalonians 2:14 Glory: A Gift of Calling • God takes the initiative: “He called you.” • The means: “through our gospel” points to the proclaimed good news of Christ’s death and resurrection. • The purpose: “so that you may share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Salvation is not merely rescue from wrath but participation in Christ’s own glory. Romans 8:17 and Shared Sonship “ And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him.” — Romans 8:17 • Status: “children… heirs… co-heirs with Christ.” • Pathway: present sharing in Christ’s sufferings. • Outcome: future sharing “with Him” in glory. Putting the Two Passages Together 1. Same Divine Initiative – 2 Thessalonians 2:14: God “called.” – Romans 8:17: God “adopted” (context vv. 15-16). The call and the adoption are God’s sovereign acts. 2. Same Goal – 2 Thessalonians: “share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Romans: “be glorified with Him.” Both stress union with Christ as the sphere of glory. 3. Present and Future Dimensions – Thessalonians highlights the secured future prize. – Romans balances future glory with present suffering, showing the route by which the promise is reached. 4. Assurance for Believers – The gospel call guarantees the inheritance (2 Thessalonians 2:14). – The Spirit’s witness guarantees sonship and glory (Romans 8:16-17). Other Scriptures Echoing the Theme • John 17:22-24—Jesus prays that believers receive the glory the Father gave Him. • Colossians 3:4—“When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” • 1 Peter 5:10—God “will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you” after suffering, leading to “His eternal glory in Christ.” • 2 Corinthians 4:17—“Momentary light affliction is producing… an eternal weight of glory.” Living in the Tension of Suffering and Glory • Present trials validate our union with Christ (Philippians 1:29). • Perseverance confirms the reality of the call (Hebrews 3:14). • Hope fixes our eyes on the promised glory (Titus 2:13). Encouragement for Today • Your salvation is rooted in God’s unchangeable call. • Your identity as a co-heir guarantees a share in Christ’s glory. • Every present hardship is a temporary step toward an eternal, radiant future with Him. |
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